Welcome to our service today. It is great to have you here and we would love to invite you to stay after the service and join us for morning tea.
Jesus warned His followers, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20). For many of us, persecution may come in the form of ridicule, rejection, or being misunderstood for our faith. For others around the world, it may mean imprisonment or even death. Yet, Scripture reminds us that persecution is not a sign of God’s absence but of His presence.
When we suffer for Christ, we are sharing in His sufferings (Philippians 3:10). Far from being abandoned, we are drawing nearer to our Saviour, walking the very road He walked. Persecution becomes a refining fire that strengthens our faith, proving that our hope is not built on comfort but on Christ alone.
In Acts 5, the apostles rejoiced after being beaten because they were “counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” What a radical perspective! Rather than despair, they saw persecution as confirmation that they belonged to Jesus.
Today, let us pray for courage to stand firm when opposition comes. Let us also lift up our brothers and sisters worldwide who endure persecution daily. And may we remember that the reward of faithfulness is eternal joy in the presence of Christ.
With love & blessings, Sandra
Beckenham Baptist Church 